Leonard “Pete” Appleby of Albany, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Medical Center of Albany, Kentucky, having attained the age of 81 years, 4 months, and 20 days. He was born in Christian County, Kentucky, on Friday, November 3, 1944, the son of Travis & Laura Bell (Gibson) Appleby.

Pete was of the Methodist faith and faithfully attended the Peolia Methodist Church in Albany, Kentucky. He remained committed to attending church, even when he had to go alone. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He was known for his servant’s heart, often volunteering his time to help others through Days of Grace. Pete was a kind and lighthearted man who brought joy to those around him, always ready with a smile or a laugh. He had a deep love for sports, especially cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball and Alabama Crimson Tide football.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepsons: Kenny Garrett and Terry Garrett; and siblings: Carl Appleby, Raymond Appleby, Nancy Appleby, and J.C. Appleby.

He is survived by his wife: Betty (Elmore) Appleby, whom he wed in October of 2004; children: Leanne (Dave) Sosa of Vancouver Washington and Frances Sikora of Cotton Wood, Alabama; step-son: Brian (Tammy) Garrett of Albany Kentucky; siblings: Ann Strange, Judy Phillips, both of Kokomo, Indiana, Ronnie Appleby of Albany, Kentucky, and Donnie Appleby of Glasgow, Kentucky; grandchildren: Ansley Sikora, Bryleigh Sikora, Connor Sikora, Braxton Sikora, Lindsey Sosa, Jessica Sosa, David Sosa, Felicia Garrett, Dustin (Abby) Garrett, Aidan Garrett, Brandon (Shawnna) Garrett, Andrew Whittenburg, and Anthony Poore; and 15 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be conducted on Friday March 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. Central in the memory chapel of the Campbell-New Funeral Home in Albany Kentucky with Bro. David Stearns, and Bro. Jeff Amonett Officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 26, 2026, beginning at 5 p.m. Central, and again on Friday morning, until the funeral hour. Burial will be in the Peolia cemetery in Clinton County, Kentucky.

Campbell-New Funeral Home of Albany, Kentucky is honored to be in charge of all the arrangements.